AP Psych- Unit 1B: Biological Basis of Behavior

1.5 Sleep

Consciousness

The awareness of our environment and ourselves. Shifts throughout the day, influencing focus and performance.

Circadian Rhythm

24-hour biological clock that regulates sleep, wakefulness, and other body functions; controlled by hypothalamus

Stage 1

Light sleep, marked by alpha waves and hypnagogic sensations (hallucinations or falling sensations)

Stage 2

Deeper relaxation, characterized by sleep spindles and EEG patterns showing more synchronized brain activity

Stages 3 and 4

Deep sleep, featuring slow delta waves. Hardest stage to wake from; crucial for physical restoration

Paradoxical sleep

Where the brain is active, but the body is paralyzed; vivid dreams; plays key role in memory consolidation

Alpha Waves

Brain waves of a relaxed, awake state

Delta Waves

Slow brain waves associated with deep NREM sleep

REM Rebound

When deprived of REM sleep, the body will catch up by increasing the amount of REM sleep in subsequent nights

Activation Synthesis Theory

Dreams are the brain’s way of making sense of random neural activity

Consolidation Theory

Dreams help process and solidify memories and experiences from the day

How often do REM cycles typically occur during a full night’s sleep?

Every 90 minutes

What is the primary function believed to occur during REM sleep?

Memory consolidation and emotional processing

Insomnia

Difficulty falling or stay asleep, leading to fatigue and impaired functioning during the day

Narcolepsy

Sudden and uncontrollable “sleep attacks” that often take you directly into REM sleep

Sleepwalking

Typically occurs during deep NREM sleep, where individuals walk or perform tasks while still asleep

Which stage of sleep is characterized by rapid eye movements and vivid dreaming?

REM Sleep

What happens to your muscles during REM sleep?

They become virtually paralyzed

Deepest stage of sleep, where it’s hardest to wake someone up is:

Stage 3

Why is REM sleep called “paradoxical sleep”?

Because your brain is active while your body is immobile

Hypnagogic sensations, for example feeling like  you’re falling happen during which sleep stage?

Stage 1